Post Match. Pies whack Weagles . All comments, please.

[dalyc]

[think better]

And what a difference a Howe makes!

The backline just seemed more stable and organised with him able to take on a good player and still get his obligatory half dozen intercepts

[RudeBoy]

A magnificent win, which should be celebrated by us all.

The way I read it, Harvey is not even in the running for the senior coaching role, but he is doing a great job as caretaker. He may well be kept on as a senior assistant to whoever gets the top job.

As for our team, I reckon the return of Howe and the development of Ruscoe had a massive impact on our team. We have really solid defenders in the air now, releasing some of the enormous pressure which Roughead has been handling on his own in recent weeks.

But the major improvement has been the midfield, where most games are won or lost. De Goey's emergence as a genuine midfielder, since he was BOG against the Dees in Buck's last game, has been spectacular. We've all known he had the potential, but its as if the penny finally dropped with him, in terms of getting fit enough. He is now finishing off games and has added that all important defensive side to his game, with some ferocious tackling in our back half.

I reckon Sidey might have been reading some of the obituaries on his career on Nicks, as he delivered his best game for a couple of years. Grundy was massive, easily outshining Natanui through sheer grunt and will to win. Adams was a midfield beast again, but was let down (again) by some very sloppy kicking and decision-making at times. Still, he was still dominant in his role.

As for our other young guns, we have definitely unearthed some ten year players in Henry, Macrae and Bianco. It's a shame he's not a bit taller, but nevertheless Henry has the best pair of hands I've seen on a new recruit. He is a one-grab mark and he knows where to lead to and what to do with it when he gets it. He is going to provide plenty of excitement for Pies fans in the coming years.

Macrae is a natural footballer, with exquisite balance and elite kicking and decision-making skills. I can't wait til he has another one or two pre-seasons under his belt and has bulked up a bit. He is a beauty.

Bianco left his kicking boots at home yesterday, but like Macrae he is a natural footy player, who knows where the ball is and is usually a great kick on either foot. His 50 m goal from near the boundary was a just reward for his hard work. I still reckon he's a potential future captain.

Then there's Ginnivan. As a rookie, not much was expected of him, but the way he has developed so quickly makes me suspect he might yet turn out to be the small crumbing forward we've been desperate for. The good thing about him is that he doesn't need a lot of the ball to make an impact, being a beautiful set shot goal kicker.

It was great to see Quaynor kick his first goal. I can't help but wonder how he would go as a midfielder? He is so well balanced, he rarely fumbles and is a wonderful kick. Time will tell I guess.

Anyway, overall it was a great performance by our young team, and should give them all confidence to attack next year's pre-season with vigour, knowing that, regardless of who our coach is, we have a very talented list and one full of great team spirit.

Next year, throw in Pendles, Moore, 'Magic' Johnson, Josh and Nick Daicos, and we could very well bounce straight back into the finals. Go Pies!

[dalyc]

Adams better hope Clarko doesn’t get the coaching gig. His kicking is so bad he’ll be out the door in no time at all.

[Pies2016]

[Ronnie McKeowns boots]

Ruscoe always had an eye for the main chance as a forward, a real opportunist, and in the backline its a great attribute, you could see his eyes light up when he saw the option that started up some great chains of possession yesterday

[Ronnie McKeowns boots]

Think Bianco needs a week off, his disposal was poor yesterday, which may be a sign of fatigue. Last thing we want is an injury to him or any of the other young uns

[Big T]

[Big T]

Watching the replay again, I have so much respect for Chris Mayne.

How many team based acts this guy does which don't get stats. Superb.

I can see why the players love him and I hope he stays. He has changed my mind

[ThePieMind]

[Pies2016]

We need to cut Adams some slack. He’s been managing that knee injury for most of the season. He’s probably avoiding match sim through the week and just running straight lines and doing kick to kick with stationary targets.
It’s no different to Matty Rowell at the Suns. Last year he was the next big thing. This year, he finally comes back from a PCL and he continues to struggle.
Adams has never been great by foot but he’s better than his first few kicks yesterday. Maybe for something different, we should celebrate that he’s out there rather than continue to highlight every mis kick he gets away.

[Magpietothemax]

[Magpietothemax]

[dalyc]

[Mr Miyagi]